22nd April 2007

This match was played at Euxton Villa’s club ground and a night of steady rain beforehand made the surface greasy on top and brought some relief from the rock hard pitches of late.

Euxton were on top in the first half and played some good football. It was good to see us getting down both flanks and the passing and movement that has been missing of late was back.

Euxton took the lead on 15 minutes when Connor finished well when the ball dropped to him in the box. His first touch was excellent and created his shooting chance. Two minutes later he doubled the score when he chased a through ball that the keeper was favourite to win. Connors determination was such that the keepers clearance hit him and he steadied himself and finished well. It was a goal made from brave and determined running.

For the rest of the half we played some good football and it was good to watch. Steven was passing the ball to both sides of the pitch and both Chris and Josh were involved in a lot of play and both created chances from strong runs. It was also good see the front two moving much more than they had of late. 2-0 at half time was the least we deserved – it had been a good half.

Things got better a minute into the second half when good work and a cross from Josh resulted in what he claimed was a deflection off the centre half which went into the empty net. The Premier League Goals committee may have had a slightly different view but Josh claimed it anyway!

 Then Gregson Lane stepped up their efforts and after a strong break down the right the centre forward beat the offside trap and ran from his own half and slotted it past Matty . It was a good finish by a talented player, though Euxton caused their own problems by taking the opposition for granted and with the defence getting out of position.

 For a ten minute spell Gregson Lane came at us hard and with nothing to lose had a real go. Their midfield were working very hard and they pressed us back a little. They had a good shout for a penalty when the ball hit Dominic’s hand inside the box but we escaped from that scare. Whilst Gregson Lane deserve credit for the effort they were putting in, Euxton had taken the foot off the pedal a little and were being over elaborate at times.

 A fourth Euxton goal killed off the game when Connor finished well from inside the box to complete his hat trick. He then went on to add his fourth when following up his own effort to score.

 Euxton played less football in the second half than they had in the first but still created a further 4 chances that were not taken. What was good to see was that the passing and movement showed real signs of coming back which is a good sign before the cup final. 

A special mention about James Daniels. For the fourth consecutive game he picked up one of the oppositions main midfield players and contained him really well. Today he added some good football of his own and despite Connor’s 4 goals was a worthy man of the match.